Newb Farkler...

[drew231506]

Hello all, (New Updates below...thank you for all of your input!!!)

I’m a new owner of an 05 fjr. I wanted to ask your advice on farkeling. I read these posts…and they say “hey slide one of these under the grips, theyre nice on chilly mornings.” “just pop the spring and the throttle loosens right up” “throw on a vista cruise, it’s the best farkle for the money” etc. etc. After literally getting a headache while reading day after day this information…I’m a little overwhelmed. I haven’t even tried to get the tank off yet…don’t know if I can without breaking her…and shes such a pretty bike!!

See im no mechanic…and while I fancy tinkering…well on this scale im just not sure. (I had to see exactly what a dremmel was)

I’d like to put a vista cruise on the bike and some new grips…but I might as well insert the heater thingy while I have the grips off. This looks possible but then to the wiring…this is where Im nervous. Anyway not sure where I’m going with this…just curious if any of you had gone through this...and do you just dive in an hope not screw up your baby?? (I'm 28 and figure I have to start somewhere...or I'll never be able to work on my bike)

One last thing...Bar Risers...how many have it?? Will I get used to putting weight on my hands?? etc.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

Drew

____________________________________________

UPDATE

Okay after all of your advice...i did start to do some things to the bike. I am so glad I did too! WHen I first got this bike...it was great...it was fast, powerful and smoother than any I had before. However it really wasnt that comfy...now with some of the add ons the bike has become soooooo much fun I just want to ride all day everyday...if only i could. Here is what I have done...

Here are the Helibar Risers- These were well worth it and really has made riding easier and much more comfy. These have been my favorite farkle...my shoulders love it!

Here is the vista cruise...another great one for the money. Just don't like when sometimes it gets lose and pops the throttle...can be dangerous if youre not ready for it. Also I really like the new grips...they are softer and I dont have to shift my palm around like I did with the stock grips.

Then the seat...I bought this used. I LOVE it...it's a Russell. The only issue as some of you may know is that I wanted a dual (for the fiance'). So because of that I decided I'm going to send in the stock seat to Russell for a Dual and then sell this Solo. While it was frustrating to get the solo (was exprecting a dual)...atleast I got to try out the Russell. It makes riding so much more fun! Also the rack from Gary...I actually found a used one for a good price. My fiance' loves it and the rack is awesome. Once she gets the seat...we're outta here...I can't wait!!!

Finally the last couple of things...I added the Fender Extenda and the Tankslapper which you may barely be able to see. Hopefully thats all for now!

So 3 weeks and 3000 miles later...I am loving this bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks all for your input!!!

 

[jjsC6]

Drew, I think you are going to fit in real well around here. Most of us fit the following saying: "What he lacks in intelligence, he makes up for in self-confidence". Anything worth doing is worth screwing up the first time and getting it right the second time. You're still ahead of paying someone else to do it.

There is a saying on some of the forums I frequent "Friends don't let friends drive stock". Farkle away, my good friend.

I must say that I am either blessed or cursed for being very mechanically inclined, and I'm not really afraid to screw up any good project. Trust me, we all have war stories of screwing something up that we really don't like to admit to (my wife still reminds me of the "cracked windshield" 14 years later. Only cost me $200 to replace :lol:

Now, what was the question again? :assassin:

 

[Rogue]

Welcome.

Where are you located? There may be some one near you that can walk you through it.

I'm 28...

Just a young pup I see!

 

[Mike-H]

Drew...this is a great forum....& I'm sure you can find somebody willing to stop by & walk you through or help you farkle the new ride.....enjoy....Mike

 

[chickey191]

A couple of things. Farkling for farklings sake - has its merits - however farkling because you need to is its own reward.

Start with what do you need it for and where does it hurt.

I've also been reluctant to pop the cap on my '06 mainly because I want to do it once instead of doing it - then going back when the next part comes in, etc. However there are a few things that you can do that don't really require popping the tank.

For example - you can change the grips and put a Vista Cruise on - without doing anything electrical. should you want to put the heated grips on (and need to) then you can always go back and add them when you are ready to do the wiring tasks.

I'm one for planning what I want to do. I've had bikes that the wiring looked like a bird's nest and I've had bikes where the wiring looked as good or better than OEM. The difference was doing them haphazardly and with good planning. It is easier to pull the tank and route your wiring and tie wrap and get everything neat if you do it all at once (unless you happen to like pulling tupperware off of bikes).

Plus - doing something like a vista cruise will give you some confidence in your abilities. sounds like you are familiar with fjrtech - so we dont have to direct you there. it is a good source.

Secondly - WHERE ARE YOU? I would imagine that there is someone nearby that could offer some help. It is comforting to have someone around who can show you the ropes - like how to hold that piece of plastic so that it slips back in, instead of breaking off the tip because you forced it - or who can tell you which wire (for sure) you should be tapping into.

I would give you one last word of advice on the wiring side. Take your time - plan it out - literally lay out what you want to do - where it will connect - to what will it connect and make good solders/splices and find good connectors. Loom it - tie wrap it and mark it so you know what it is for and not have depend on your memory.

And if it all turns to crap....

you can do it over again.

 

[drew231506]

Welcome.Where are you located? There may be some one near you that can walk you through it.

I'm 28...

Just a young pup I see!

I'm in Winchester, Va...I've seen some FJR's around here.

 

[jimbemotumbo]

I like to consider myself an example to others.

After adding my driving lights and blaster horns I found three unused screws under the FJR.

Never have figured out where they go. Bike runs great and the mods all work.

So there you go Drew. You can do no worse than I!

 

[v65]

Farkle away, you can't screw anything up that money won't fix And make sure to ask lots of really dumb questions, that way I won't have to.

 

[Jeff Tate]

I have a set of D&D 3/4" risers for sale that weren't quite high enough for me. Let me know if you might be interested.

 

[Mike-H]

I have a set of D&D 3/4" risers for sale that weren't quite high enough for me. Let me know if you might be interested.

Real nice slid in to sell you risers Jeff....real smooth.....

 

[Geezer]

There seems to be a lot of talk about risers and the various sizes and shapes of them. I have never felt the need and ride comfortably with stock bars as they came on my '05. Same goes for the seat and windscreen. All are OK for me. My point being that you should ride your new bike for a while before you start spending money on farkles that you may not need. Some farkles make the bike better in one way while taking away in another way. Some bolt on items are not entirely compatible with others. For example, my V-Strom hand guards hit the brackets on my ECM shelf when the bars are turned fully in either direction. And, some farkles require more than just bolting on the parts. Again, an example is that one bolt on the V-Strom handguards had to be modified by grinding down the shoulder and adding more threads.

If you read this forum for a while and look through some of the other sites that are pointed to from here for technical advice and instructions you will find most of what you need.

And +1 on the suggestion that you try to hook up with someone in your area who has already been down this road.

 

[Jeff Tate]

I have a set of D&D 3/4" risers for sale that weren't quite high enough for me. Let me know if you might be interested.

Real nice slid in to sell you risers Jeff....real smooth.....

Can't bame a guy for tryin'...

 

[krashdragon]

Hello all,
I’m a new owner of an 05 fjr. I wanted to ask your advice on farkeling. I read these posts…and they say “hey slide one of these under the grips, theyre nice on chilly mornings.” “just pop the spring and the throttle loosens right up” “throw on a vista cruise, it’s the best farkle for the money” etc. etc. After literally getting a headache while reading day after day this information…I’m a little overwhelmed. I haven’t even tried to get the tank off yet…don’t know if I can without breaking her…and shes such a pretty bike!!

See im no mechanic…and while I fancy tinkering…well on this scale im just not sure. (I had to see exactly what a dremmel was)

I’d like to put a vista cruise on the bike and some new grips…but I might as well insert the heater thingy while I have the grips off. This looks possible but then to the wiring…this is where Im nervous. Anyway not sure where I’m going with this…just curious if any of you had gone through this...and do you just dive in an hope not screw up your baby?? (I'm 28 and figure I have to start somewhere...or I'll never be able to work on my bike)

One last thing...Bar Risers...how many have it?? Will I get used to putting weight on my hands?? etc.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

Drew

There's any easy way to get used to doing stuff...

find a few of your friends that have Harley's and offer to change the oil for them... just tell them to buy a service manual and the tools, you'll do the work...

Changing oil isnt' hard, and most of the chrome they buy is straight bolt on stuff...

adding a few neon or led lights on a Harley ...easy.

and Harleys only cost twice as much as a FJR so you wont' worry when you start working on your bike!

Hey, this is the voice of experience speaking... the first thing I did when I got my Harley was order a side mount taillight, grab a hacksaw and cut off the plastic liscense plate bracket, so I could see the rear tire.<G>

Ok, the plastic I cut cost $56 if I wanted to replace it... the tailight/lisc plate bracket was $350... and to put it on, I had to take apart the whole rear fender... No biggie... B)

Just dont' rush... buy a service manual and RTFM! That's Read the *** Manual..... very important!

Oh, last Sunday I drilled holes in my FJR windshield... cheaper than the CalSci one...

Had to do something... it was cold and raining too hard just to ride around... <G>

mary

I like to consider myself an example to others.
After adding my driving lights and blaster horns I found three unused screws under the FJR.

Never have figured out where they go. Bike runs great and the mods all work.

So there you go Drew. You can do no worse than I!

Silly.... didn't you know the bike fairy does that everytime anyone works on a major project!

Guaranteed to drive ya nuts! :rofl:

mary

 

[worldbound4now]

Drew,

Ride the bike for a bit. Get over the "I got a new bike" honeymoon. Settle into it and then start farkling the things that will correct problems that you find. Sore right wrist, consult the board. Sore tush, consult the board. Both wrists sore? Consult the board. There are a ton of people willing to help you by posting information or a few people nice enough to open their door for you or stop by for a visit and lesson. First, get to know your bike before you change it unless you have a ton of money in your pocket just waiting to fly away to neverland.

It's nice to see I'm not the baby on this board. For a while I thought the FJR was only for people born before 1965. I've since found out that it's not just for old farts

I can feel it now...... :headbonk:

 

[pickax]

Lots of good advice here, I'm resisting the urge to melt the credit card buying all the farkles at once. Going to ride it and farkle as needed.

Came through Winchester last summer, beautiful area. Your heated grips would probably come in handy there in the winter months, but maybe low tech (removable handgards, heavy gloves, snowmobile mittens)

would suffice. All your choice, but don't be afraid to jump in and do something for fear of failing.

 

[drew231506]

Thanks to all who have replied!! After my initial trip from Atlanta to Northern Va...spending an avg of about 10 hours per day on the bike...(i always see milage listed...but thats cheating...anyone can go on a highway all day and rack up mileage...time on the bike is more important) Then again this weekend I've ridden about another 10 hours.

So this is what I've come up with...symptoms and diagnoses

My shoulders are soooo sore...I have trouble getting things off of the shelf!! So I decided I must get the bar raisers...as much as I like the sportiness of the bike...screw it. It's like being in a push-up position all day.

I'm really noticing the hardness of the grips now too... may be from the riding position though...putting all of the weight on my hands.

Right arm...from the wrist to the shoulder...all annoy me. I'm hoping the raisers will help this as well.

Then finally...my butt. It is what really makes me stop...the others are livable...the butt gets to the point where I can't take it anymore and either have to ride standing on the pegs or I must stop.

Also a priority is getting a backrest for the fiance'. They make this easy with an FJR as well..(not really).

So heres my plan...now when I actually do it...thats different.

I have chatted with Gary on this site about making a rack with removable backrest...this way we can pack the bike when we need to for a trip...and i can put the backrest on when needed. Also this lets me get a custom seat I want as well...i've decided to get the Russel Day-long (eventually) for rider and passenger. Then the backrest will work for that as well.

Handlebar risers...just ordered the Helibar Raisers.

And grips...will get some softer ones...the windshield needs work too but very low on the priority list!

That's it!!!! Ugh a lot of $$$$$. But if it lets me ride all day then its worth it. Right now its a love-hate relationship...I want to get on and ride...then i want off...right when i get off i want to get back on...i hate bein off of it and then i cant stand bein on it...

 

[odot]

Thanks to all who have replied!! After my initial trip from Atlanta to Northern Va...spending an avg of about 10 hours per day on the bike...(i always see milage listed...but thats cheating...anyone can go on a highway all day and rack up mileage...time on the bike is more important) Then again this weekend I've ridden about another 10 hours.
So this is what I've come up with...symptoms and diagnoses

My shoulders are soooo sore...I have trouble getting things off of the shelf!! So I decided I must get the bar raisers...as much as I like the sportiness of the bike...screw it. It's like being in a push-up position all day.

I'm really noticing the hardness of the grips now too... may be from the riding position though...putting all of the weight on my hands.

Right arm...from the wrist to the shoulder...all annoy me. I'm hoping the raisers will help this as well.

Then finally...my butt. It is what really makes me stop...the others are livable...the butt gets to the point where I can't take it anymore and either have to ride standing on the pegs or I must stop.

Also a priority is getting a backrest for the fiance'. They make this easy with an FJR as well..(not really).

So heres my plan...now when I actually do it...thats different.

I have chatted with Gary on this site about making a rack with removable backrest...this way we can pack the bike when we need to for a trip...and i can put the backrest on when needed. Also this lets me get a custom seat I want as well...i've decided to get the Russel Day-long (eventually) for rider and passenger. Then the backrest will work for that as well.

Handlebar risers...just ordered the Helibar Raisers.

And grips...will get some softer ones...the windshield needs work too but very low on the priority list!

That's it!!!! Ugh a lot of $$$$$. But if it lets me ride all day then its worth it. Right now its a love-hate relationship...I want to get on and ride...then i want off...right when i get off i want to get back on...i hate bein off of it and then i cant stand bein on it...

I can stand on it.

 

[drew231506]

See update! Vista Cruise, Tankslapper, Helibar Risers, Russel Day-Long, Fender Extenda, Rack and removable passenger backrest, Murphs Grips...

 

[squeezer]

I've been playing too -- with a new-to-me 03 that came bone stock. I need to make it a comfy commuter that can do the occasional Iron Butt ride. After a couple of 500 miles days, the farkles so far and the ones I know I'll need:

On the bike:

Wild Bill's highway peg mounts with offsets and pegs from Kuryakin

Hyperlites (took 'em off the last bike)

Givi rack and E52 trunk (my laptop case fits in like glove, necessary for commuting)

Tip over guards

Ram balls in the spare mirror mounts (for my gps, mp3, and cb as necessary)

Standard throttlemeister (bought from the forum!)

deanoko's reflective tape on the bags

Sitting in the garage to mount:

Motolights

A couple of switches to install in the panel

Handguards (will probably wait until fall)

On the way:

V-Stream from Gary McCoy

marine grade lighter sockets

On order:

Rick Mayer saddle

Under consideration:

Bar risers -- I'll wait for a another 1000 miles or so

On the wish list for the distance rallies:

Upgraded gps

Fuel cell

I love this bike. It is so much fun to ride, I don't need any performance mods. A few more comfort mods and I'll ride it forever.